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Thursday, December 29, 2011

If you are a polite Minnesotan of Scandinavian descent you may use the above phrase when you are in a disagreeable situation. This diminishes its meaning when something really IS different.

Today, here in the frozen land of the North, I spotted two bluebirds. Really, that is DIFFERENT! I watch for their return every year, as a sign of Spring's arrival, but it seems to me they haven't just arrived----they must have never left!

It's quiet here today with just two young ones home. That's different too. We all need "down" time after the holiday melee.

Tonight is "Feed My Starving Children" night. Our church has a monthly slot to work filling packets to send to needy people around the world. I strongly recommend this organization. There is everything to like about it: low overhead, high volunteer participation, successful delivery to needy situations worldwide. I want to put in a strong "plug" for it, as it can also use financial support.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

We got through a day of fun, sights, and window shopping yesterday, all during a dentist appointment and a German final for my son. Poor boy, he had all the agony while the rest of us frolicked!

Macy's annual Christmas show (downtown) was on the agenda--"A Day in the Life of an Elf," as well as a wander through the Mall of America (our second visit this season!).

We had a wonderful time, but I think our impressions of it all cemented the dreariness of materialism on display this time of year.

It all seemed so empty.

When you are reduced to a few Christmas trees and some elves (no creches, and even Santa was behind a wall where we didn't venture!) all you have is a few sugarplums and cupcakes.

Where's the meaning in that?

It seems (for the world) that Christmas this year is nothing but an expectation of an Xbox update.

How lame.

Granted, Christmas for the world is supposedly "tight" this year. Every penny must be put toward that techno upgrade, right? (You can't help be a little cynical, and I apologize.)

I am so thankful that Christmas has deep significance.

All the pagan frills that have been overtaken by Christianity are simply pretty decor to vary the seasonal scheme.

I enjoy the beauty of a lighted tree and candlelight in this darkest of seasons as much as anyone. I love the festivity and the warmth of celebrations. I love the expectation of a sweetly chosen gift from a cherished child or friend. I love the hope of giving "the perfect gift!"

But the true meaning of Christmas, God's gift to us in Christ Jesus, God incarnate, is what gives the whole season purpose and joy.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I made Lucia buns this morning because I am half Swedish, and it's fun to do it! The cardamom and saffron flavor is so delicious!

I used the bread maker, so I didn't have to work the dough by myself. I coated them with butter, egg and sugar, and popped them in the oven. They are "s" shaped with raisins in each circle.

I have the tree up and decorated, all the boxes back to storage, and the house looking rather presentable.

My husband and Cherie braved the wilds and cut our own tree this year. It is a Frazer fir, and very fresh. It may last through the month! We put (just) white lights on it. Over the years I've collected meaningful ornaments that are white, gold, silver, or glass/clear---so it looks like a tree of snow!

As we hung the ornaments we remarked that everyone's tree is so different, but each person has such a distinctive style! "Each to his own!" Certainly with Christmas trees that is true!

A few years back I got an artificial tree on an after-Christmas 90% off sale...and now we can have a colorful tree downstairs in the family room, too. The kids love that tree! Holiday splurges.

My son made Spritz today, Cherie made gingerbread. Margaret had two finals: psychology and math. She's done after tonight, and I am SO glad to share life with her again for a few weeks! My eldest son starts finals tomorrow. It's a birthday tomorrow----but we won't celebrate until the weekend. College students!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Margaret is taking her first "final" today. It's in French class. I'm waiting for her call, so I can pick her up and take her for breakfast at McDonalds (a simple pleasure!). The final started at 7:30, which seems early to this night owl family.

I threw out the invitation to hostess a women's gathering on Thursday evening, so until then it will be high speed Christmas decorating and baking! So glad the kitchen is now a lean mean cooking machine! LOVE it!

The kids are still finding their way around it, though :)

Had the joy of a sweet luncheon with my gal cousins on Saturday. I am the youngest of eight girl cousins (I think Louisa May Alcott had something like that!). My eldest cousin is the same age as my dad, so we are a spread-out batch. Only six of us were there Saturday, plus a couple of cousins-in-law, and we had such fun. I think we are all genetically influenced in the humor department. We all laugh at the same things! We had fun.

Finals and festivities and French. What an interesting December!

Another friend lost his job on Friday. I could only say----"God provides!"

If you have a friend in need right now, help them choose to be faith-full. Help them trust that God is the Provider. That He cares.

And reach out and help however you can!

We've been talking a lot about being salt and light lately, the implications thereof. In this dark world there is a need for Christ's light.

Friday, December 9, 2011

I visited a medical specialist today and got the news that my condition is worsening. I'm grateful it's just a pain issue, not a disease, but it still seems "grayish down" to me. Living with pain and the constant strain of it is wearing.

This week has been full of a kitchen cleaning project (I emptied ALL the cupboards AND drawers, cleared all the counters, and ruthlessly eliminated the dross of a dozen years living in this house) No wonder I am exhausted and hurting!

I also got to Orchestra Hall to hear my son sing in his college chapel choir. Such a spirit lift!

Christmastime is a dark time of year. I remember coming home from school as a child, to burning candles, holly sprays, pine boughs, and cider with fresh cookies, all beautifully made. These little splurges got us all through the solstice.

Although I believe Christ was born in June, December 25 was when the Magi came to Bethlehem,when the "star" shone over that little hamlet looking southeast from Jerusalem. Christmas helps us celebrate Christ's blessed birth, just as the wise men did. It gives us hope in the hard times.

Can I say one more time (for the zillionth time) how grateful we are for my husband's new job? He loves it, it's perfect. We are feeling a way to breathe deeply again.

This time we breathe out thanks and praise, giving honor to the One who provides so richly.

Bless you this season. Bless you with Christ's love and peace, His wisdom and strength. God bless you with His salvation and joy.

" It is a tremendous privilege to have the entire Bible in our hand, and understand the prophecies from a backward look! From our vantage point, it all fits together."
Gordon Addington, Discovering the Bible

I'm going through this book this year, and I've been so blessed by the insight given! December is devoted to highlighting the prophecies concerning the first and second advents of Jesus.

We start in 1 and 2 Peter, then move to Jude and Revelation. Also the readings are from Daniel and the minor prophets.

As we see time unfold before us we can rejoice that God's plan is sure and true. Studies on prophecy keep our faith fresh, current and exciting! If you haven't started an in-depth study in this area don't wait. The Word of God has so much to direct and guide for each day. Scoffing at Biblical prophecy seems to be the mode of the day, but we believers find it to be enticingly reassuring!

It's December. What a joyful month for believers, celebrating the first Christmas, the time of the Magi bringing gifts to the Christ Child. Advantage--Christian!